Something happened when I turned fifty. I realized I have lived more life than I have left, which creates an urgency to capture those memories before my failing mind loses them completely.

But how do we do that? How do we sift through all the experiences and select ones with meaning to share with our loved ones? Where do we even begin?

Sometimes all it takes is a visit to a local Flea Market. I am always surprised to find momentos of my childhood selling as antiques(?!) But those trinkets begin an avalanche of memories that I can tap into. Keep a notebook handy and write down any ideas that come to mind.

I believe everyone has a heart’s desire – a passion in life – something that grabs our attention with such gusto that it keeps us awake at night. Some of us, however, may find our passions hibernating, or perhaps lying dormant for so long we fear they are in an irreversible coma.

It is vital to reconnect with those passions in life and discover ways to pursue them throughout adulthood. I believe these passions, especially those we’ve enjoyed for years, are God-given. And I believe God would not give us true desires if He did not also equip us to bring them to fruition.

But sometimes special holiday recipes are more about tradition than nutrition, right?

I’m sure there is a more eloquent title for this family favorite, but my girls dubbed it “orange stuff” several years ago and the name stuck.

Typically we serve this at Thanksgiving. There are fewer sweets on the table at Thanksgiving than Christmas, and for those who aren’t fond of turkey and all the fixings, this at least provides a tasty alternative.